A Hope That Lasts

Application Questions:1. ​Read Psalm 42:1-2. What is it that causes a deer (or any animal) to pant? Are you panting after God, the living God? Why or why not? 2.​ Read Psalm 42:3-4. In verse 3 the psalmist begins to describe his downcast state of mind and the mocking that he is enduring. How does he respond to this in verse 4? Why would this be important in order to gain hope? 3.​ Read Psalm 42:8-10. In verse 8 the psalmist speaks of the love and the presence of the Lord in his life. How does this contrast with verses 9 & 10? Verses 9 & 10 are an example of what is commonly found in the psalms known as a lament. Why do you think laments are included in God’s Word? How might lamenting actually produce hope? 4.​ Read Psalm 42:5, 11 & Psalm 43:5. Psalms 42 & 43 were probably originally one psalm. Why do you think these refrains are repeated? Where does the psalmist say to his soul he must place his hope? How does the idea of placing our hope in a person differ from the world’s concept of hope? Take some time right now to ask God to give you a fresh vision of the hope found in Him.